Wednesday, March 19, 2014

I've had two three day workweeks in a row! The first two weeks of March were just swellllll.

The first week was short because I took two days off for moving, and the second week was short because I took two days off for Don-Yell's visit.

Now, I'm back to the regular five day workweeks which are a lot worse than the three day workweeks because of, ya know, those extra two days of working.

It's rough getting back into the swing of things after being out on vacation because not only do you not want to go back after having fun, but also, all the emails. And, all the people waiting for you the moment you enter the door saying things like "did you see my email?" At this point, I like to glance casually (but in a not so casual way, too) at my black computer screen, which hasn't been turned on yet. If that doesn't do the trick, I then say "my computer isn't on yet, so I haven't seen the email." Then, I go get coffee, pee, and look at all my other emails first...probably even in that order.

Anyway, so ugh, that's why I'm blogging while at work. Last week at this time, I was preparing for a four day weekend, so I figure this week, at this time, I should take a blogging break.

I did book another mini vacation to look forward to! I'll be going to Rhode Island at the end of July and staying with my friend Nicole. I haven't seen her in close to a year, so it will be really nice to spend time with her, see her house in Rhode Island, and hopefully see a bunch of other people too.

Getting to the other part of my story...

When my parents, Don-Yell, and I were in downtown St. Pete for brunch this past Sunday, we got a parking ticket. And, when I say "we", I mean that I single-handedly was responsible for getting us said parking ticket.

Here is how the conversation went:
Me: Park right over there - that looks like a good spot
Mom: Ok. We have lots of quarters for the meter
Me: That sounds silly. Save your quarters, and buy yourself something pretty little lady. I got this. I'll use my handy phone app::I then proceed to tell everyone about my handy phone app and how fool-proof it is::::I then pay for our parking spot using my fool-proof phone app::::We eat brunch and go to the car::
Dad: ::Picks up large green envelope on front windshield of car that says PARKING TICKET::
Dad: We got a parking ticket
Me: That hardly seems possible

Oh, but it was. It was very possible, in fact.

You see, my handy phone app is linked to my license plate (information that I entered when I first downloaded the app and then promptly erased from my memory). And, my license plate is on my car, which was parked securely in its parking spot at my condo complex at the time.

Essentially, it was like we hadn't paid for parking at all. It was like we had thrown caution to the wind, took a look at the parking meter and said "eff you parking meter", and strolled into the restaurant like bad asses.

On that fateful day, I got to pay $3.35 to park my car at my condo complex (a convenience that I usually enjoy for free) and $25 for my parent's car.

Don't worry, they were glad we were there though. ﻿

So glad, in fact, that if I went to wherever their office is located with my parking ticket and a receipt proving I paid $25 at a restaurant or shop that day, they would waive the charge. However, they bank on people being lazy - which I was - so, here is $25 for you sir.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

It's basically been 7 months since my last blog post! Happy new year, I guess. Let's hope I can keep up with this thang better than I have in the past.

I went back and looked at most of my previous posts, and some of them seem so dumb now. But, some of them also seem more funny than I thought I was capable of, and I'm not sure I can be as funny anymore - especially since I started this blog over 2 years ago while living in a retirement community with my parents. Obviously, there is a lot of material to draw from under those circumstances.

At any rate, I will try because it's pretty fun to look back on. Also, I think blogging popularity is pretty much on its way out or already out, so maybe if I keep up with it, it will become trendy again soon (since all that sort of stuff always comes full circle), and my friends will think I'm really cool. It will be kind of sneaky - kind of like how hippies weren't cool anymore, so now there are hipsters instead - which is pretty much the same thing except with less patchouli oil and a lot more glasses.

Anyway, here is where things netted out in the last 7 months. I'm still living in St. Pete and loving it. If there is any reason to leave this area or Florida in general, I haven't found it yet. I'm actually living at the same complex that I lived at for a year when I first moved to St. Pete. I really love it here and am excited to have my own place again. Still working at Ideal Image aaaaand my underarms are now hairless - ta da! I think that's about it. Oh, wait - and I now use whole milk instead of skim.

Ironically, during my last post, I had just visited Danielle in NYC, and this past weekend, she just visited me. Both trips for free! Now that my dad works for himself, he won't rack up all the frequent flyer miles like he used to, but these types of free trips were fun while they lasted.

Here is what we did:
Thursday - Danielle's flight arrived at 2:20pm, and I got to the airport early to pick her up. This meant I then had to drive around the airport approximately 236 times before she came out. This also meant I was simultaneously frustrated and excited when I saw her. We then made the mutual decision to act like sister wives that evening (it's not what you're thinking) - which meant food shopping at Publix together and making ourselves a lovely salmon dinner. Upon arrival, Danielle proclaimed it was "hot" (high 60s) and also made the blanket statement later on that she "doesn't recycle" (not ever apparently - not even when there is a recycling bin on the patio deck). I knew I was in for a good time! I also knew I would have to periodically peruse my garbage and then berate her.

Friday - We went to Treasure Island beach, and then I wined/dined her at Capital Grille for dinner. I had a $100 gift card there. I'm sure the waitress wasn't surprised when we pulled it out. I had a filet mignon that was parmesan/horseradish encrusted, and it was pretty much the best thing I've ever eaten. Granted, for $46, I could basically eat for a whole week, but whatevs. Danielle also got a really good steak, and I don't think we spoke a word to each other while we enjoyed our food - ah, best friends. Oh, we also went out for drinks in St. Pete that night.

Saturday - I told Danielle I wanted to take her to a touristy beach, so I thought of one that would be really uncomfortably crowded and almost not enjoyable - Clearwater! The water was freeeeezing, but we both managed to go in completely. First swim of the year! At night, we went to the St. Patty's day celebration/parade in Ybor - kind of like a Mardi Gras with beads getting thrown at you, etc. Met up with some other friends that night for dinner/bar hopping, and it was a lot of fun. Great way to spend her last night here.

Sunday - My parents made the quick 3 hour drive here to see her (and I think to see me too?). We went out for brunch and hung out for a bit. Then, Danielle had to be at the airpot by 3:30pm.

All in all, a short trip but very fun! Here are some pics:

Not pictured: Danielle's paleo lunches which included avocado smooshed into roast beef and falling out the sides.

About Me

I'm a stay at home mom and boo boo kisser to 2 wonderful children...wait, that's not me! Read the description above, and then come along with me as I live the dream ;)
Oh, and in case you couldn't tell, most of what I write is a little "tongue in cheek"...